Game Preview: No. 9 Reinhardt vs. Kentucky Christian
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com
WALESKA, Ga. – (Live Video | Stats) The ninth-ranked Eagles will take Ken White Field at University Stadium for the final time during the regular season as they welcome the Knights of Kentucky Christian – who are receiving votes nationally – to town for a 1 p.m. Mid-South Conference (MSC) clash on Saturday afternoon.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national office in Kansas City, Mo., has also put a magnifying glass on the matchup as well, as the battle for the Appalachian Division of the MSC was selected as the NAIA Football Game of the Week.
"These are the games you want to be playing – they have a really good football team and we have a really good football team," head coach James Miller said. "We're going to put the ball out there and see what happens. I respect their head coach and the way they play the game. I can't wait to watch us compete.
"We will also be honoring some seniors before the game; such a great class."
Reinhardt (7-0, 5-0 MSC) swapped spots with now-No. 10 Marian (Ind.) thanks to pulling down 282 voting points in Monday's NAIA Football FirstDown PlayBook Top 25 Poll. The Eagles did so by soaring away from the Rams of Bluefield (Va.) last week thanks to 26 points in the third quarter en route to a 50-10 road victory.
The hometown team had 485 yards of offense, including 283 through the air.
Billy Hall was 10-of-18 for 286 yards and four scores through the air. Dylan Kelly finished with 130 yards receiving and a score. PJ Williams had 72 yards and Navarie Solomon added 69.
The Eagle defense had four interceptions by four different players. Bryce Atchison had six total tackles and numerous players had three-or-more stops.
The Knights (5-1, 3-1 MSC) are coming off a 28-14 win over Point (Ga.) on the road last Saturday. Kentucky Christian quarterback Jakwon Roberts was 16-for-30 for 125 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 20 yards and a touchdown against the Skyhawks.
For the second contest in-a-row, Dae'vontay Latimer led the ground game with 61 yards rushing.
Storylines for Saturday
1. Welcome to Senior Day
Reinhardt Football proudly presents Senior Day 2020 today against the Knights of Kentucky Christian. Eleven players will be suiting up today for their final regular-season contest inside Ken White Field at University Stadium.
2. Division Title on the Line
The Eagles and Knights tussle this afternoon for a chance to take the Appalachian Division of the Mid-South Conference. Reinhardt (7-0) can lock up its fifth division championship with a victory. Kentucky Christian needs to win both of its last two games.
3. Double Vision
For the second-straight home outing, the Eagles are taking on the Knights… this time from Kentucky Christian. The Knights are coming off a 28-14 success over Point (Ga.).
4. Postseason Looms
The NAIA Football Championship Series begins on April 17 with the first round of the 16-team playoff. All games are played at host sites of the higher seeds around the country.
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